As Christians in Gombe State join their counterpart the world over to celebrate the 2022 Christmas, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has charged the faithful to uphold the tenets of love, sacrifice, and tolerance as symbolised by Jesus Christ.
Inuwa in a message of felicitation issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House Gombe, enjoined Christians in Gombe state and all Nigerians alike, to sustain their abiding faith in God and maintain peace, unity, and virtues that promote the progress of the state and the country.
He charged the people to rededicate themselves and remain steadfast in prayers, which he said have an immense impact on the peace, unity, and stability of the society.
The Governor stated that ” On this significant occasion of Christmas, I extend my best wishes to the Christian community and all citizens of the country. This period reminds us of the need to uphold the virtues of love, selflessness, and tolerance. I call on all of us, to reflect on the lessons of the season which presents an opportunity to love and to share”.
While assuring of his administration’s commitment to continue to initiate and execute policies and programmes that will promote unity and peaceful coexistence, the Governor urged the people to use the period to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and the country as well as for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
” I urge you to use this period of sober reflection to commit our dear state and country in prayers. Pray that God Almighty restores peace and harmony in our society; pray that God restores the normalcy that existed before; pray for peaceful elections and transition in our nation; pray that Nigeria will emerge out of the myriad of its challenges”.
He urged the people not to despair but keep hope alive despite obvious global socio-economic challenges, occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and now Russia- Ukraine war as well as the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria.
“We are indeed in a trying moment but I am optimistic that with collective commitment, sacrifice, and by turning to God through prayers and reinforcement of unity, we shall overcome all the trials and emerge stronger”.
In a related development, Governor Yahaya released over 75 million to the Christian community in the state.
This is part of the Governor’s gesture to the Christians in the state to enable them to mark the Yuletide with ease considering the present economic hardship.
Apart from the funds, Governor Inuwa also ordered the distribution of 5000 bags of rice to facilitate a more joyous celebration.
According to a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, a media aide to Gombe Governor said, “Recall that already, the governor had approved the payment of December salary to all the civil servants and political appointees, as well as local government employees in Gombe State since December 19, 2022. He had earlier flagged off payment of over 1.6 billion naira gratuity arrears owed state retirees ahead of the Yuletide.”
“These gestures by the governor are in line with his resolve to improve the welfare of the good people of Gombe State.”
